The Sleeper's Wrath and His Wife's Strike novel Chapter 139

Despite Wendy's reputation for being hopelessly lovesick, she managed to keep her composure, nodding coolly with an unreadable expression.

“I only did what I was supposed to do,” she said.

“Dinner’s on me tonight.” Lindsay slid the menu toward her. “Pick out whatever you like.”

Wendy had barely taken the menu when Cheryl’s voice suddenly chimed in beside her ear.

“Why don’t you order some brain food? Maybe it’ll help you think straight for once.”

It was a jab—one Wendy was about to snap back at—when, out of the corner of her eye, she caught sight of Joseph walking in with Naomi. The sight knocked the wind out of her anger, and Joseph’s latest message flashed through her mind:

*Working late tonight. Rain check?*

So that was another lie. Another excuse to spend time with his “just a friend” girl.

The irony stung.

Lindsay followed Wendy and Cheryl’s gaze, her eyes landing on Joseph and Naomi sitting just a few tables away.

A slow, cold smile curled on Lindsay’s lips. “What a perfect pair—trash finds trash,” she muttered. “It’s just a pity for you, Wendy.”

She leaned in, voice low but sharp. “See it for what it is this time? Still want to cover for him? Let me guess—he stood you up tonight, didn’t he? That’s why you said yes to dinner with us so quickly.”

Wendy’s eyes were swollen and raw, her voice trembling as she spoke—half to Cheryl, half to herself.

“I just don’t get it. What does Naomi have that I don’t? My family, my looks—I beat her on both counts. Why does Joseph keep lying to me for her? We’ve been together since high school. Six years. How could he throw that away?”

Lindsay snorted. “Because some guys always think the grass is greener. Joseph’s a pig—plain and simple. He’s even sleazier than you know.”

In another life, Joseph had blamed Lindsay for Naomi’s death and teamed up with Lester to torment her. The pattern was always the same: Joseph’s girlfriend was still Wendy, and maybe, since Naomi died, they even ended up married—but Wendy was never happy.

Lindsay pressed on, “I told you before, Joseph isn’t just scum—he’s a walking disaster. Now you’ve seen it with your own eyes: he’d rather be here with Naomi than with you. Is that enough for you, or do you need to catch them in bed to finally give up?”

Wendy wiped her eyes, anger flickering behind her tears. “It’s not like I didn’t know. He’s lied to me before, more times than I can count, and every time I’ve given him another chance. But he’s never changed. If anything, he’s gotten worse.”